University Lecturer in European Studies
The Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for the position of
UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
for a fixed-term position from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2030, or as agreed
The duties of a University Lecturer include providing teaching in accordance with degree requirements of the degree programmes within the Centre of European Studies (CES), supervising and examining theses, conducting research in their academic field, and contributing to the development of the Centre and to its shared responsibilities.
Centre for European Studies (CES) is a multidisciplinary research unit within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki, collaborating with other faculties. The Centre advances research and teaching in European Studies, understood broadly as an interdisciplinary field that examines European societies, their interconnections, and the institutions governing cooperation among them through contemporary and historical perspectives. The Centre serves as a host unit for researchers and projects, organises seminars and conferences, and coordinates the international, interdisciplinary Master’s Programme in European and Nordic Studies (ENS).
The appointee will teach and supervise students in the ENS programme and contribute to the Centre’s research-led activities. The successful candidate will demonstrate wide-ranging familiarity with and understanding of the multiple subfields of European and EU studies. In the selection process, we value evidence of independent, high-quality international research that opens new perspectives in the field, a strong commitment to teaching and to the academic community, and a high standard of pedagogical competence.
Teaching Profile
The University Lecturer will teach and supervise students in the Master’s Programme in European and Nordic Studies (ENS), coordinated by the Centre for European Studies. Teaching responsibilities include, inter alia, coordination of the compulsory course Contemporary Research (ENS 301) and the Research Methods course (ENS 306). Additional duties comprise teaching of other thematic ENS courses, responsibility for one of the programme’s study modules, coordinating of internships and career-supportive activities, supervising and examining master’s theses. Academic study planning (HOPS) guidance for international master’s students constitutes an essential part of the position. In addition, the appointee will participate in academic administration and programme development. The primary language of instruction is English.
Selection Criteria
The successful candidate must:
• Hold an applicable doctoral degree by the application deadline.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide high-quality, research-based teaching.
• Show competence in supervising master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.
• Maintain an active research profile with international scientific publications.
• Demonstrate excellent English language skills.
In assessing applicants, attention will be paid to:
• Scholarly publications.
• Teaching experience; supervision of especially MA theses, ability to supervise dissertations
• Pedagogical training and thinking; development of teaching; and production of learning materials.
• Teaching demonstration.
• Interview performance.
What we offer
The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and diverse workplace with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. €54,000 – €67,000, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees. Further information can be obtained online. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.
Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families, and Helsinki in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see the website.
The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. International staff are supported in relocating to Finland.
How to apply
Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply now" (“Hae nyt”). Use your current email address to register to the Recruitment System. Only applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the link “Employee login”. The closing date for applications is May 19th, 2026.
Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in English:
• Curriculum vitae (max. 5 pages).
• A numbered list of publications, with the five most significant publications clearly marked in bold. Please follow the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland
• A report (max. 3 pages) describing practical experience and qualifications relevant to the assessment of teaching skills.
• A report (max. 3 pages) describing the applicant’s research profile, including participation in scholarly communities, international collaboration, acquisition of research funding, and the applicant’s role in obtaining such funding.
• A free-form statement (max. 3 pages) explaining the applicant’s suitability for the position, demonstrating the ability to situate their work within the institutional, curricular, and research context described above.”
Detailed information on the CV and list of publications as well as the presentation of teaching skills can be obtained online.
Other attachments, such as letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required.
Further information
Further information about the profile and duties is available from Director of the Centre of European Studies, professor Johanna Rainio-Niemi (johanna.rainio@helsinki.fi), and about the recruitment process, from HR Specialist Minna Maunula (minna.maunula@helsinki.fi).
The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institute in the social sciences, and the country’s most diverse social sciences faculty in terms of the range of its disciplines and fields of research. The Faculty has a strong international research profile and international master’s programmes, and several of its disciplinary units have been rated among the top 50 in the world. The Faculty has approximately 550 research and teaching staff, and each year it awards some 350 bachelor’s degrees, 400 master’s degrees and more than 40 doctoral degrees.
A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.
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